The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bob Hawes, City Attorney John Konecky, City Engineer Jim Johnson, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, and Risk Manager Troy Larson.
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
DISCUSSION
City Engineer Jim Johnson presented background information on special assessment project history used for street resurfacing and reconstruction in the City of Rock Island. He advised the process for street improvements has been used since about 1900 and is in accordance with Illinois state law. He advised that although state law would allow it, arterial streets are not assessed to adjoining property owners. The special assessment process is only used for residential and collector streets.
Mr. Johnson advised that projects are usually selected as a result of a petition from residents or their alderman. The Board of Local Improvements, comprised of the Community and Economic Development Director, the Finance Director, the Public Works Director, the City Engineer, and the City Attorney, then have the task of administering the special assessment process. He advised projects that make it through the selection process are then included in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and submitted to the City Council annually for approval. He advised after Council approval of the CIP, the Engineering Division prepares preliminary plans and cost estimates for the approved projects. The Superintendent of Special Assessments then determines assessments, in accordance with state law, to adjacent properties based on the increase in property values resulting from the improvement. Mr. Johnson advised that a public hearing is then scheduled with notices being sent to property owners. Minutes of the Public Hearing are prepared and submitted to the City Council along with the recommendation regarding the project.
Mr. Johnson advised an Assessment Roll which lists all assessed properties along with the assessment amounts is sent to the Rock Island County Circuit Court who then sets a court date and informs residents when they may appear and file an objection, if desired. If an objection(s) is filed, the court sets a trial date, which typically delays the project until the next construction season. City Attorney Konecky advised this is a very arduous process, as well as costly, possibly costing the resident more than the initial assessment amount. He advised once the construction is completed, the Assessment Roll is amended to show final project costs, with any differences between the estimated costs and final costs being paid by the City. He advised the judge then confirms the final Assessment Roll authorizing the City to send bills to individual property owners. The assessment may be paid in full or be spread over 10 years with interest on the unpaid balance set by state law at 70% of the “commercial prime rate” on the day the City Council passes the Special Assessment Ordinance.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised that Motor Fuel Tax money is used for maintenance on arterial streets and $500,000 from gaming and $500,000 from public benefit fund tax is used annually. He advised the approximate cost is $200,000 to $250,000 per block for reconstruction and $20,000 to $30,000 for resurfacing.
Alderman White advised if the policy changes, street repairs would not get done to older neighborhoods, there will be no money for improvements, the residents cannot afford it; therefore, where will the money come from. Alderman Rockwell inquired as to the viability of putting a gradually declining cap on assessments over a period of time. Alderman Conroy read a list of streets that do not have to pay assessments. He advised that repairs in some areas have waited too long to be fixed and now have to be replaced. He informed he would like to see the special assessment policy eliminated. Mr. Hawes advised that eliminating the policy would cause a shortage in funds, which would occur over the coming years and continue to escalate. He advised less money would result in fewer projects causing street repairs to be delayed.
Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to what staff would recommend as to how to move forward if the special assessment policy was eliminated. Alderman White suggested allocating more gaming dollars into street projects and Alderman Rockwell reiterated the suggestion of looking into some type of reasonable cap. Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to whether the courts would uphold a cap process. Attorney Konecky advised that it would be a hard sell. Alderman Brooks advised that all streets need to be fixed over time and they should be repaired, assessing the residents as needed, similarly as to how the water program has had to be implemented. Alderman Austin advised that people are happy after the project is complete regardless of cost. He advised these necessary repairs and costs result in added property value making property more marketable. It was decided to take a look at the process again next year.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Pauley to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Litigation and Personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 6:17 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:40 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
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Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III.
INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Pauley gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of the meeting of March 13, 2006 and March 14, 2006 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PROCLAMATION
Agenda Item #6
WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring April 2 through 8, 2006 Week of the Young Child. He then presented the proclamation to Carol Bruss, Director of Development Services from Skip-Along Daycare Center. Ms. Bruss thanked Mayor Schwiebert and Council for the presentation and advised citizens to attend activities taking place the first week in April. Alderman White inquired as to whether Skip-Along Daycare had a book program that has been implemented and spreading from state to state for the first five years of a child’s life. Ms. Bruss advised a scholastic book program has started and Alderman White advised she would assist with fundraising activities as needed.
Agenda Item #7
VACATING UNIMPROVED SEGMENT OF 30TH AVENUE
EAST OF 27TH STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance vacating an unimproved segment of 30th Avenue east of 27th Street. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
AMENDED ZONING DISTRICT AND MAP FROM I-1 (LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL) DISTRICT TO B-3 (COMMUNITY BUSINESS) DISTRICT AT 2401 AND 2405 3RD
AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending zoning district and map from I-1 (light industrial) district to B-3 (community business) district at 2401 and 2405 3rd Avenue. A motion to made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman (Murphy) to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2006/2007. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
IMPROVEMENT OF 17TH STREET WEST & 18TH
STREET WEST;
85TH AVENUE WEST, 86TH AVENUE WEST
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance providing for the improvement of 17th Street West & 18th Street West; 85th Avenue West, 86th Avenue West. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #11
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to accept the following reports and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
a. Report from the from the Personnel Department recommending payment in the amount of $10,000.00 to Crawford & Company for third party administration fees.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of March 10 through March 16 in the amount of $1,085,748.27. A motion made by Alderman White seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #13
FEBRUARY 27 THROUGH MARCH 12
The City Clerk read the Payroll for the weeks of February 27 through March 12 in the amount of $1,028,969.14. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
PURCHASE EMS
DEFIBRILLATOR/MONITORS
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding the purchase of EMS defibrillator/monitors in the amount of $71,211.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the purchase and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
FIBER
OPTICS CABLE PHASE 3A/CDB UTILITY CONTRACTORS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Fiber Optics Cable Phase 3A Project recommending the bid be awarded to CDB Utility Contractors in the amount of $162,131.30. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
2006 BRICK STREET REPAIR
PROGRAM/WALTER D. LAUD INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 Brick Street Repair Program recommending the bid be awarded to Walter D. Laud Inc. in the amount of $39,855.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with Schreiber Anderson Associates for an analysis of parking in the downtown. Alderman Pauley inquired as to why the City needs this analysis. City Manager John Phillips advised for growth and redevelopment parking is always an issue and that with the riverfront plans more parking will be eliminated. Alderman Rockwell informed that the City doesn’t need to pay someone to tell us what is needed, we know. Alderman Austin inquired of Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne as to whether the City staff has the knowledge, expertise and time to perform this type of analysis in-house. Mr. Champagne advised time is an issue due to other projects and duties being performed. Mayor Schwiebert advised an analysis of this nature would be helpful in that it not only looks at what the City’s needs are, it factors in alternatives, structures, locations, types, and an overall plan. He advised he has been informed when speaking with tentative investors that parking is always an issue of concern. Alderman Austin inquired as to given the fact that some of the major projects are still in the future would this analysis be premature. Mr. Champagne advised this analysis not only addressed future projects, it addressed the parking issues at hand and the lack thereof.
A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents FAILED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, and Rockwell.
Agenda Item #18
FISCAL YEAR 2006/2007 LEASE
AGREEMENT/CHURCHES UNITED
The City Clerk read a report from the Martin Luther King Center regarding a proposed lease agreement with Churches United for fiscal year 2006/2007. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
TWO-TIER LANDSCAPING RETAINING
WALL/4236 14TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding Dorothy Meyers’ request to install a two-tier landscaping retaining wall within the street right-of-way at 4236 14th Street with the following stipulations: that within 30 days upon being granted permission, Ms. Meyers provide the City with a copy of her insurance policy that lists the City of Rock Island as additional insured to hold the City harmless of any liability due to the presence of this obstruction within the right-of-way. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to allow the installation as recommended with the stated stipulations CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
APPLICATION AND RESOLUTION/BI-STATE MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS
RIDE
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application and Resolution for the Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Ride to be held Saturday, May 6, 2006. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the application and adopt the Resolution as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John Phillips advised of a memo from the City Attorney Konecky’s office regarding research and findings of placement of satellite dishes on private property in the City of Rock Island. He also mentioned the volunteer appreciation dinner scheduled for Monday, May 8, to be held at Circa 21.
Mr. Phillips also spoke about budget presentation follow-up reports from RIFAC and the Library. He advised the RIFAC report informs that 40% of the membership is other than Rock Island residents. The library report detailed delivery statistics and Friends status.
He also spoke about an article in the Legislative Bulletin 2006-08 dated March 3, 2006 regarding police and fire pension enhancement. He advised the General Assembly is on the verge of releasing an amendment out of the Rules Committee that would create a Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) within municipal police and fire pension funds. This amendment provides for DROP election beginning at 20 years of service and ages 54 (police) and 55 (fire); a 5-year limit on participation before mandatory separation of service; a deposit of monthly pension into DROP account along with employee contribution; and a 3-year sunset provision to analyze fiscal impact on DROP. The proposed DROP establishes a new precedent in Illinois pensions by allowing public employees to begin drawing their pensions five years before they actually retire, meaning employees electing DROP would be entitled to a minimum of 150% of their annual compensation up to a maximum of 175%. He advised proponents of the bill are going to attempt to convince legislators that the DROP legislation is cost-neutral. Mayor Schwiebert advised this would be considered double dipping and doesn’t make sense. Having employees drawing a salary and retirement simultaneously would be very costly to citizens, in which these funds are already drawn from property tax. He advised that he and City Manager Phillips will be attending the Municipal League meeting in Springfield and will express their views regarding this proposal.
Mayor Schwiebert reiterated the impressive stats of the Rock Island Public Library with regard to the book and material loan program ranking second after Joliet, Illinois.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Brooks spoke about his latest trip to the National League of Cities advising that, after many meetings and discussions, everyone throughout the country is suffering the same plight with the various cuts being made. To that Mayor Schwiebert advised of an article regarding a survey showing substantial negative effects of cuts to CDBG on Americans in need, noting that Federalism is breaking down and passing the buck to the next level. Alderman Brooks also advised of the impossible mandates being set and demanded of HUD.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, April 3, at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:35 p.m.
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Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk